System and method for securing tissue to bone

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. An anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body having compressible tabs with teeth, and a spreader that forces the compressible tabs into an expanded state when inserted into anchor body, facilitating engagement between bone and the teeth of the compressible tabs. Also described is an inserter tool that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 391,554, filed on Oct. 8, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to medical devices and procedures. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. Systems and methods are disclosed herein of fixing tissue such as tendon or ligament to bone in orthopedic procedures.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]There are several medical procedures where a surgeon needs to attach soft connective tissue such as tendons or ligaments to bone. One common example is an anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction, a surgical procedure usually performed for the treatment of a torn ACL. The ACL is one of four major ligaments of the knee. An ACL reconstruction may be performed as an isolated pr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a tissue anchor and spreader device that can be used to securely attach tissue to bone. The anchor has a tubular wall with a constant diameter and a plurality of compressible tabs located inside the wall. The compressible tabs can be bent outward by a spreader that is inserted into the anchor body. The spreader has a central hole and a plurality of tabs that can be bended radially outward. The device can be easily inserted into the anchor body and can be used with different types of anchor bodies. The technical effects of this invention include a simplified and easy-to-use design for tissue anchoring, improved bone penetration, and reduced risk of anchor body displacement.

Problems solved by technology

Even as an isolated procedure, ACL reconstruction is difficult to perform arthroscopically.

Systems recently brought to market still require multiple steps and tools.

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